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Defensive coordinator John Pagano got a good look at his team’ goal line set in quarter number three.

An impressive goal line stand by the Chargers defense minimized the damage after a 46-yard punt return by Richard Thurmond. The Seahawks were limited to a 10-3 lead.

Sixth-round pick Tourek Williams highlighted the stand. Williams held steady on first down when Quinn rolled out of the pocket, forcing him to pass short instead of tuck the ball and run. Then, he shed his block on second down and slammed into Seattle’s Spencer Ware, dropping him for a loss.

An incomplete pass forced the Seahawks to settle for a field goal.

Later in the quarter, the Chargers weren’t as fortunate. In their first play inside the 10-yard line, Ware cut back for a six-yard touchdown that made the game a two-score affair.

Charlie Whitehurst was sacked twice by the Seahawks and replaced by rookie Brad Sorensen.

The Seahawks lead the Chargers 7-3 at the half after Brady Quinn found Jermaine Kearse on an 11-yard post with 1:56 remaining. But until that play, Whitaker’s bruising runs and DePalma’s highlight-worthy grabs stole the show.

Second-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst handed off to Whittaker nine times over the game’s second period. Two of those runs – a 13-yard dash up the right sideline and a nine–yard run up the middle – drew loud cheers from the home crowd.

DePalma had a similar standout quarter. Whitehurst found the wideout four times for 38 yards, including an impressive leaping grab with 4:24 left in the quarter. Whitehurst was flushed to his weak side, but had enough arm strength to launch a pass in DePalma’s vicinity as he fell backward. DePalma did the rest. He reached across his body to catch the tricky pass for a 22-yard gain and a drive-extending first down.

That drive ended with Whitehurst’s first of two interceptions, though. With 2:12 left in the first half, Seattle CB Byron Maxwell jumped a pass and sprinted down the sidelines to the Chargers’ 28-yard line. Three plays later, Quinn found Kearse over the middle for the contest’s first touchdown. The Chargers’ two-minute drill ended when a ball glanced off Keenan Allen's outstretched hands into the arms of a Seahawk.

K Steven Haushka nearly made the Chargers pay for it with a 61-yard field goal the ricocheted off the crossbar. The Seahawks will receive the ball to start the second half.

FIRST QUARTER

The first quarter of the Mike McCoy era is over. And the Chargers' first year head coach should be pleased with the early results.

The Chargers lead the Seattle Seahawks 3-0 after 15 minutes of football. McCoy's first team offense received the opening kickoff and, thanks to two gritty runs by Ryan Mathews and Philip Rivers, mounted a 13-play, 74-yard drive that culminated in a 28-yard field goal by Nick Novak.

The first tough run came courtesy of Mathews. McCoy sent the first-team offense back out on fourth down, and the running back repaid his coach's confidence. He leapt over the Seahawks defensive line and landed nine yards later, exciting the crowd and jump-starting the Chargers' offense.

Later, on 3rd down and 6, Philip Rivers picked up where Mathews left off. He evaded the Seahawks pass rushers, scrambled right and dove -- just short of the first-down marker.

Novak kicked his 28-yard field goal, but there was more good news to come for McCoy.

After surrendering a 20-yard pass when Russell Wilson scrambled left, the first-team defense held strong. Wilson was unable to connect on his next three passes -- and thanks to pressure by Dwight Freeney and Kendall Reyes -- the Seahawks were forced to punt.

PREGAME REPORT

Football season is finally back, San Diego.

The San Diego Chargers kick off the 2013 season -- and a new era under first-year head coach Mike McCoy and general manager Tom Telesco -- against the Seattle Seahawks tonight at Qualcomm Stadium.

Second-year phenom Russell Wilson returns to quarterback the Seahawks after his 3,118-yard rookie campaign. Russell passed for 26 touchdowns and returns All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch (1,590 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 2012) along with four of his top receivers from last season.

McCoy and new offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt will unveil a new-look Chargers attack for the first time tonight. Quarterback Philip Rivers will look to build on 2012 as he enters his 10th season as a Charger. Rivers threw for 3,606 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, and looks to improve on those numbers to lead the team to the playoffs for the fourth time in seven years as a starter.

Former Alabama standout and first round draft choice D.J. Fluker (No. 11 overall) will jump into a starting role at right tackle in his first professional appearance. The Chargers will also look for big things out of second round pick Manti Te'o at linebacker and third round pick Keenan Allen at receiver.